Forklift Safety – Parking Fatality File

Worker Killed When Struck by Parked Forklift with Raised Forks

In May 2019, an employee at Labatt Food Service LLC was fatally struck after crashing a tugger into a parked forklift whose forks were raised. The forklift had not been properly secured or lowered before being left unattended, creating a dangerous condition.

This incident illustrates the critical risks associated with improper parking practices for industrial trucks—including leaving forks raised or failing to fully shut off the machine. To prevent such tragedies, employers must enforce strict parking protocols: lower forks to the ground, set the parking brake, turn off power, and ensure the area around parked equipment is clear.

Source: Osha.gov